Liquid-to-liquid oil absorption method

Abstract

A system for removing dissolved and undissolved oil from contaminated water which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. An absorbing fluid (CCl 2 FCClF 2 ) is used in a wet-spiral mixer-absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier oil absorbing fluid from the oil-decontaminated water. Unspent absorbing fluid is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the decontaminated water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent absorbing fluid is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is used as fuel oil or stored. The absorbing fluid's vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by a jet eductor pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.

What is claimed as invention is: 
     
       1. A method for degreasing water, which comprises contacting contaminated produced-water with a volatile non-water-soluble liquid fluorocarbon to dissolve both dissolved and suspended contaminants from said produced-water; separating the spent fluorocarbon from the degreased water; and, recycling separated spent fluorocarbon to the contacting step by means of an eductor jet pump driven by said degreased water. 
     
     
       2. The method of clam 1, in which the fluorocarbon is trichlorotrifluoroethane. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, in which the contact step is effected in a wet-spiral absorber-contactor. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1, in which the separated spent fluorocarbon is volatilized to separate it from the dissolved contaminants and the vapors are condensed to provide purified liquid fluorocarbon for recycle to the contacting step. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1, and further including, recycling unspent fluorocarbon to the contacting step.